Robert Saleh benches $58 million Titans corner for Colts game

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Tennessee earned its first win of the season in Indianapolis and did so without cornerback Alontae Taylor.

The offseason addition was on the sideline for Sunday’s 26-20 win over the Colts (2-4) due to a coach’s decision and not an injury.

Taylor has been critical for the Titans’ defense, playing 99.7% of defensive snaps in the Titans’ first five games of the season. He signed a three-year, $58 million contract ($42 million guaranteed) in March and has 19 tackles and one sack on the year.

Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor (24) pushes Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (14) out of bounds during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Baltimore Ravens tight end Matt Hibner (88) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Titans (1-5) focused on upgradingtheirs secondary by adding Taylor and signing free agent cornerback Cor’Dale Flott to a three-year, $45 million deal.

Veteran free agent addition Josh Williams, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract in March, started in Taylor’s place, returning from injured reserve Saturday. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver was given the game-day elevation from the practice squad.

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh smiles as he walks off the field after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Getty Images

Tennessee’s secondary hasn’t been productive under new head coach Robert Saleh. The Titans so far only have three interceptions this season. Despite the low takeaways, Tennessee ranked 14th in passing yards allowed per game in the NFL (217.8) coming into the game.

The Titans were also without starting safety Kevin Winston Jr. due to a quad injury against the Colts.

Alontae Taylor (24) makes a tackle against Kayshon Boutte (14) of the Houston Texans during the third quarter of a game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. Getty Images

Tennessee may be evenly matched against a Colts squad that has been bombarded with injuries at wide receiver.

The Colts will still be without recently extended Alec Pierce, who’s on the injury reserve with a left heel injury, and second-year tight end Tyler Warren is inactive with a groin injury.

The Titans earned their first division win since November 2024 with a victory on Sunday.

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